Pajaro Valley Memorial Park is a cemetery located in the foothils of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Established more than 60 years ago, there also is a crematorium at the site.
The Watsonville Career Center, one of the three county-run work-force assistance programs, offers a variety of career services to people who are out of work or seeking other employment. The center is also home to the state's employment services office. Programs are tailored to specific situations or demographics, such as a youth employment program and employment services for low-income adults 55 or older. Appointments are encouraged and are necessary to access some services.
The Pajaro Valley Public Cemetery District adminsters several memorial parks in the area, including Valley Cemetery, Watsonville Catholic Cemetery and St. Francis Cemetery.
The YMCA has been helping improve communities through wellness programs for over a century. Providing after-school programs for teens and young adults, the YMCA is a safe place for kids to spend after-school hours. This facility boasts a decently sized lap pool, showers, sauna, gym and exercise room. With monthly and annual membership options, you can choose one that works with your family, and if assistance is necessary, the YMCA has programs to help those in need.
This center, local union No. 6434, is dedicated to training those professionals who provide care for seniors and people with disabilities in private homes or nursing home facilities. The center provides training and counseling, assisting with finding employment opportunities, employment advancement opportunities, volunteer services and locating other viable options for training centers. The hours of this particular office vary, so call ahead.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds serves the county with space for county events and programs. Many programs cater to students and families specifically. It is also a great place to visit and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
One of the city's largest parks, Ramsay Park has a skate-park, soccer fields, a basketball court, a baseball diamond and three playgrounds. The picnic area includes reservation-only group areas, individual tables and grills. There also are restrooms and large parking lots off Main Street and Harkins Slough Road. The Soccer Central indoor soccer facility, the city's Nature Center and the Ramsay Park Family Center adjoin the park.
This distinctive pink church houses a small but active First Christian Church Disciples of Christ congregation. Members serve the popular "Almost Free Spaghetti Dinner" to nearby residents, host neighborhood rummage sales and take bagged lunches to the homeless. The church also opened its doors to a Spanish-language Anglican church and Success Academy, a county Office of Education program.
Project Scout is a nonprofit organization that provides tax assistance for low-income individuals and seniors. The organization helps individuals to file taxes, and offers assistance with past taxes. To schedule an appointment, call the number listed.
The church, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Corralitos, serves a diverse community through a variety of ministries. Holy Eucharist Catholic Church has mass three days a week, including a Spanish-language service on Sunday. The church also has youth groups, music programs, study groups and other special gatherings.
This church, on Green Valley Road, holds weekly services. It was built in 1978 and has large stain glass windows and plents of space in community rooms for gatherings.
The county's park at Pinto Lake offers family picnic areas, two picnic pavilions, two soccer fields, a baseball diamond and a kid's playground. The park edges Pinto Lake over which you can find a dock for fishing or birding. Locals believe that the Virgin Mary appeared at this lake so there is a beautiful shrine dedicated to her. This park includes an oak woodland where there are walking and running trails and also a disc golf course. There is a public art project called Turtle Dove.
The award-winning "Focus Agriculture" program teaches community leaders and others about agriculture in Santa Cruz County through a nine-month program. Another program from the 501C-3 organization assists with farmworker housing.
The Bockius-Orr Historic House (also known as the Godfrey M. Bockius House) in Watsonville, California is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1870 for Judge Godfrey Bockius, the landmark is the headquarters for the Pajaro Valley Historical Association. The main floor of the house is open to the public for viewing, which features furnishings of the former residents and rotating exhibitions from the historic group's vast collection of dresses, shoes and handbags dating from the 1880s to the 1960s. The public can also view historic artifacts in the Volck Museum, located in the carriage house, as well as check out the Borina archive, a collection of historic information and artifacts of the Pajaro Valley at the Alzora Snyder and Jane Borg Research Center. Families, history lovers, fashion buffs and fans of small, unique museums would enjoy a visit to the Bockius-Orr Historic House.
Parking and public transportation at Bockius-Orr Historic House
Free parking is available on the grounds. The Santa Cruz Metro Route 77 Civic Plaza/Pajaro stops at Watsonville High School, about two blocks west of the historic house.
Best and worst time to go to Bockius-Orr Historic House
The landmark is open three days a week open, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., hence there really is no worst time to visit. If you would like a tour, go on Wednesdays when the volunteer docents are there.
Admission to Bockius-Orr Historic House
Admission is free. The Pajaro Valley Historical Association gladly accepts all contributions.
Must see/do at Bockius-Orr Historic House
Be sure to check every room, including the bathroom, that is open for viewing. Each room has different exhibits of vintage apparel on display. Also, walk around the grounds to view the various gardens, hundred-year-old oak trees and other buildings such as the tank house that once stored water for the residents.
Other places to visit near Bockius-Orr Historic House
Crossroads Books is a small, independent bookstore that sells both new and used books, of which some are by local authors. Gizdich Ranch is known for its delicious apple and berry pies. It also sells sandwiches, fruits and gifts, as well as lets visitors to pick their own apples, strawberries and other fruits that are in season. If you feel like taking a walk on the beach, check out nearby Palm Beach State Park.
Insider tip for visitors to Bockius-Orr Historic House
The entryway to the landmark can be easy to miss. It's on the southside of East Beach Street, which is a one-way street that heads east. Look for the Pajaro Valley Historical Association's sign.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes Take 25 to Hollister, a blog about Hollister, San Benito County and nearby areas.
The church houses four Jehovah's Witnessess congregations, including the regional American sign language service, twice a week for public talks, Watchtower studies, congregation Bible studies and theocratic ministry school services. There are also Spanish services. In addition, members do community outreach through home Bible study and guest speakers come to lead services.
The Baptist church draws members from across Santa Cruz County and south into Monterey County. Lead Pastor Ron Marsh guides the congregation, which offers a variety of music and youth programs, including a fall Harvest Festival and a Christmas pagent. The historic worship center, built in 1952, was redone after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and the church has a new youth house.
